How To: Rent A Villa

getting the best deal

Shop around: Though it may take you a bit more time, it's always best to evaluate more than one cottage option. With some patience and diligence, you can find many different deals and use the prices quoted to you to bargain for lower rates.

Shop in advance: This is a trickier point as it's region-dependent. Many areas of the country have different peak summer seasons. If you're looking to go north, to somewhere like Vermont or New Hampshire, you'll be looking at about a two-month high season (July through August). But if you're going south, say to Florida or California, then your summer window widens considerably. It's best to check with the specific state tourism board for exact peak dates.

That said, the golden rule of "the sooner the better" applies to reserving your cottage. If you know when your vacation time will be and you know where you're headed, then book your reservation ASAP. You'll maximize your chances of scooping the best place before the other slowpokes get their acts in gear. As a general rule of thumb though, it's best to book around two months ahead.

Get the terms of rental: Make sure you understand and agree upon the conditions of renting the cottage upfront. Find out whether you need to leave a deposit (and how much) and what liabilities are covered under the rental contract. Don't sign any contract that you're unsure of or that is ambiguous. Similarly, find out if the cottage has a maximum occupancy rating. You don't want to invite 20 of your friends only to have the local constables shut you down. And you don't want to incur any fines for fire hazards and the like.

Check for discounts: Make sure you ask for discount options. Some places will lower their price (or tack on free days) if you book for an extended period of time. Also make sure to find out if they offer group rates. It may be worth it to bring up your extended family if it means a 25% discount.

rights & responsibilities

Lastly, you'll need to understand what you can and cannot do while staying at your cottage. For instance: some places will require that you leave the unit in the exact same condition you found it, while others provide a cleaning service.

Also, depending on your needs, you should figure out if the facility allows smoking, alcohol, children, pets, and in-laws inside the premises. Okay, maybe that last one is just a pipe dream. But you get the picture.

Find out if you're required to leave a security deposit. Ask the right questions as this could potentially cost you more than you thought.

go get it

Remember: You're out there to have a good time and to get some much-needed R&R. But the only one who's going to look after your cottage needs is you. So use my hints to come out on top this summer and beat out all the other guys looking to rent your cottage.